Cold- and hot-water immersion are not more effective than placebo for the recovery of physical performance and training adaptations in national level soccer players.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Cold- and hot-water immersion (CWI and HWI, respectively) are popular post-exercise recovery methods in competitive soccer. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the effect of post-exercise CWI, HWI and placebo on the recovery of physical performance in national level soccer players, and (2) investigate whether repeated use of these recovery modalities has an impact on training adaptations over a 15 week period.

Methods

For Part I, 40 male soccer players (15-19 years) were randomized to either CWI (10 °C, 10 min), HWI (42 °C, 20 min), or placebo (6 min, sham laser), applied after a 90 min simulated soccer match (SSM). Physical performance was assessed using submaximal aerobic, 20 m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and knee extension strength tests [i.e., maxi

SUBMITTER: Gustafsson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12528220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature